TNT Sports
Burger scoops double award
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Published 29/11/2004 at 14:06 GMT
It has been a big week for South Africa flanker Schalk Burger, who was named the world Players' Player of the year and best international newcomer last week, before the International Rugby Board voted him player of the year as South Africa swept the top h
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The Springboks were voted the team of the year while Jake White was named coach of the year after leading them to the Tri-nations title.
After a disappointing World Cup, South African rugby has undergone a renaissance in 2004 with the highlight coming in their triumph in the southern hemisphere's showpiece international competition.
White has rejuvenated the Springboks and despite his exhausted side going down to defeats to Ireland and England this month, South Africa are very much back at rugby's top table.
Burger's emergence has been the cherry on the cake and the award he won in Sunday's ceremony made it a hat-trick of international honours for the 21-year-old.
The Western Province blindside was named the world player of the year and best international newcomer at the International Rugby Players' Association awards last week. He also won South Africa's player of the year award for 2004.
"Schalk's emergence as a major force has meant a lot to South African rugby, but has also influenced world rugby," said White.
"People have looked at the way he springs up so quickly from the tackle, he's like a bouncing ball. He's become to South African rugby what Jonty Rhodes was to South African cricket.
"It's amazing what he has achieved in such a short time so far in his international career. Remember though that he's also been part of a truly outstanding back row."
Former international greats Francois Pienaar, Keith Wood, Rob Andrew, Fabien Galthie, Bill Beaumont as well as Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan were among those on the panel who decided the IRB awards.
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